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Rainout doesn't screw up D-backs' pitching plans

PHOENIX -- The D-backs may have only played 2 2/3 innings on Friday, but the rain didn't alter the plans manager Kirk Gibson has for his pitching staff this spring.

He'll throw ace Ian Kennedy, closer J.J. Putz and knuckleballer Josh Booty in a "B" game Sunday morning against San Francisco, which will essentially give Gibson those extra innings to get his pitchers their appropriate work.

As for Randall Delgado, a candidate for the No. 5 spot in the rotation, Gibson said he was impressed with the 1 2/3 innings the right-hander threw on Friday, but he wished he could have used Delgado a little longer. Gibson is hopeful Delgado can stay on schedule and throw four innings in his next start, though Delgado would likely need to be more efficient in his pitch count to get there.

"We'll try to keep him going," Gibson said. "He's had two in a row where he hasn't been stretched out. We try to keep these guys stretched out. That's where the 'B' games start coming into play."

Delgado didn't seem too concerned with missing out on 1 1/3 innings of work on Friday. He noted that the extended spring due to the World Baseball Classic lessens the setback.

"Even with the weather, I felt good," Delgado said. "It was a little bit wet, but I feel good with my arm and what I got in."

AJ Cassavell is a reporter for MLB.com Follow him on Twitter @ajcassavell. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.